Title: New Phase of Iran’s Essential Goods Subsidy Program: Schedule and Expansion Plans Announced
Article:
Subsidy Program Update: Fifth Phase Delayed as Officials Finalize New Framework
The rollout of the fifth phase of Iran’s electronic subsidy program for essential goods has been postponed, with new timelines to be announced by relevant authorities in the coming days. While many households anticipated the commencement at the end of the previous month, the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has confirmed the delay, stating that a final decision will be made in the first week of the new month.
Funding and Planning for the Subsidy Initiative
According to the Iranian Information and Welfare Center, funding for the comprehensive program remains a key focus. While 25 trillion tomans are required to finance each phase of the electronic subsidy plan, 5 trillion tomans have so far been allocated by the Plan and Budget Organization. Officials have emphasized that necessary planning to secure the full resources is actively ongoing to ensure the program’s continuity and effectiveness.
Parliamentary Perspectives on Program Efficacy
Mohammad Bayat, a representative of Khomein in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, provided analysis on the program’s structure. He noted that while the allocation of credit is a step, the core objective of supplying essential goods at stabilized prices, as mandated by the parliament based on a specific benchmark, must be the central focus. He stressed that providing credit without a mechanism for price control could potentially fuel inflation and ultimately reduce the public’s purchasing power, underscoring the need for the government to prioritize the direct supply of goods at fixed rates.
Program Expansion: More Goods at Stable Prices
In a significant development, a political assistant to the Parliament Speaker outlined new plans for the subsidy program. He announced that a minimum of five essential goods will be supplied at fixed prices to the public by the end of the current year. Under this model, if the market price of a commodity, such as poultry, rises, citizens will still be able to purchase it at the stabilized price, with the government covering the price difference to producers and distributors. He further revealed that there are proposals to expand this initiative in the future to include at least ten or more essential items.
Collaborative Governance for Public Welfare
Highlighting the cooperative spirit between the legislative and executive branches, the official pointed to the positive coordination in addressing public welfare. He acknowledged that while differing viewpoints may exist, there is a shared empathy and synergy in executive interactions, all directed towards the common goal of alleviating the livelihood challenges faced by citizens.
Future Price Adjustments
Regarding the long-term sustainability of fixed prices, it was clarified that annual adjustments to the subsidy amounts for these essential goods will be aligned with the yearly percentage increase in public salaries. This systematic approach aims to maintain the program’s benefit for households in the coming year.
